Diver frees whale shark from rope off Roca Partida, Mexico

Kudos to Dani Zapata, the divemaster of the Solmar V, for cutting a rope free from a female whale shark (Rhincodon typus) near Roca Partida, Mexico. The video footage was shot by YouTube user Ed Gentry. The whale shark was 30′ (9m) pregnant female, according to the Solmar V’s video trip report. The rope was cutting into the whale shark’s flesh and creating a hindrance for the animal and could potentially have become life-threatening for the animal. Dani cut the rope free with a pocket knife.

Check out the Solmar V video trip report for more footage of the rescue effort and to hear Dani’s first-hand account of cutting the whale shark free of the rope.

At this moment, I am seeing the videotape of your more-than-heroic and selfless effort to disentangle the beautiful, pregnant whale shark. There are tears rolling down my face. Sure, I am a lifelong animal lover & animal rights advocate, but, what you did is positively HUMANE and WONDERFUL, sir. Also, a warm thanks to Mr. Ed Gentry for capturing your remarkable act for all to see.

For reasons I have never understood, there are people who don’t understand or appreciate the inter-connectedness of all species on this planet. It is clear that you are not one such individual. Indeed, “Kudos to you!”

THANK YOU so very MUCH!! You are a man among men and I can’t find enough words to express my pride at your reaction to seeing this distressing situation. Wow! I’m just so very happy that you are in the world at this time and were there to do the Right Thing.

With so much vitriol, division, hatred and mean-spirited words & behavior in and around the world, you are an example of kindness, right behavior and generosity.